Tragic Head-On Collision in Deschutes County Leaves One Dead, Six Injured
A devastating two-vehicle crash on Highway 97 in Deschutes County, Oregon, has resulted in the death of one person and serious injuries to six others. The incident occurred Thursday night near milepost 145, prompting a temporary closure of the highway as authorities investigated.
According to the Oregon State Police (OSP), the crash occurred around 9:49 p.m. A northbound Honda Accord, driven by 33-year-old Felicia Devin Nicholson of Bend, reportedly crossed the center line and collided head-on with a southbound Honda Odyssey.
Nicholson was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Odyssey, 46-year-old Earl Leone Christison IV from Oregon City, sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital. Also in the Odyssey were 45-year-old Erin Ruth Christison and four girls, ages 17, 14, 11, and 9, all from Oregon City. They were all seriously injured and also transported to a local hospital.
Investigation Underway
The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the Oregon State Police. The highway was closed for approximately three hours while authorities conducted their on-scene investigation.
- Driver of Accord: Felicia Devin Nicholson, 33, of Bend (deceased)
- Driver of Odyssey: Earl Leone Christison IV, 46, of Oregon City (minor injuries)
- Passenger of Odyssey: Erin Ruth Christison, 45, of Oregon City (serious injuries)
- Passengers of Odyssey: Four girls, ages 17, 14, 11, and 9, of Oregon City (serious injuries)
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available from the Oregon State Police. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of all those involved in this tragic accident.